Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command have apprehended four suspected members of an alleged interstate burglary ring accused of stealing valuables estimated at over N3bn from upscale Lagos neighbourhoods.
Those paraded by the command were identified as Francis Fidelis, 34; Hassan Atahiru, 30; Ikpi Johnson Ibiang; and Aishatu Seni Ali.
Police authorities alleged that Fidelis, said to be resident in Port Harcourt, masterminded the group’s activities and coordinated operations across state lines.
The probe, according to the command, followed a petition dated February 4, 2026, submitted by the Parkview Residents Association in Ikoyi to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing Zone 2.
The residents had raised the alarm over a string of break-ins within the estate, during which several homes were reportedly burgled.
The police stated that related complaints were also received from other high-end areas, prompting the transfer of the matter to the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit for detailed investigation.
Acting on intelligence, detectives traced the suspects to a short-let facility known as George Residence on Femi-Pedro Street, Parkview Estate, where Fidelis and others were arrested on February 6, 2026.
The operation reportedly continued into the early hours of the next day, leading to the recovery of luxury vehicles, jewellery and other valuables valued at over N3bn.
Investigators alleged that Fidelis relocated to Lagos in 2025 and deliberately rented apartments in gated communities to enable easy access to targeted estates.
He was said to have carried out the burglaries clad in hooded outfits and face masks, allegedly armed during the operations.
Police further claimed that Fidelis admitted to involvement in several robberies in Parkview Estate, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lekki Phase 1 and other parts of Lagos Island.
His alleged statement reportedly aided the arrest of Atahiru, whom the police described as a buyer of stolen goods.
Atahiru was said to have confessed to purchasing gold and diamond jewellery, gold bars and luxury wristwatches from Fidelis after meeting him in 2024.
He allegedly informed investigators that some of the items were smuggled to Cotonou, Benin Republic, through his brother to avoid detection, while proceeds from the sales were used to purchase a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE valued at about N74m for Fidelis.
Recovered exhibits included a dark grey, unregistered Mercedes-Benz GLE with chassis number 4JGED6EB7JA094974, a Lexus RX 350 bearing registration number AB451KR, a plastic pistol, five crowbars, pliers, screwdrivers, a kitchen knife, an adjustable spanner, gloves, face masks and hooded clothing.
Other items recovered were seven mobile phones, four iPads, assorted jewellery such as rings, necklaces, bracelets and wristwatches, as well as two backpacks with multiple compartments.
Speaking at the parade, Deputy Commissioner of Police Adamu Bello Mohammed, who represented the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, said investigations were still ongoing.
He noted that efforts were underway to track down other suspected members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen property, adding that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
